Test of a franchise guy's "pull"

As you may have heard, the recent Jason Giambi minor league saga coupled with a return series back to Oakland has fueled speculation of Giambi returning to the A's franchise.

So when Eric "I got the franchise money" Chavez was asked by reporters yesterday whether having Giambi back was a good idea he responded:

"It would be ideal," said A's third baseman Eric Chavez, discussing the topic strictly hypothetically, in the event New York decides to part ways with Giambi. "It would be great. I would love that."

Chavez and Giambi are the best of friends and whenever the subject of Giambi comes up, Eric always has a loving comment about him. And as he is in a significant slump and maybe be faltering under the pressure of being the RBI guy, Chavez would be able to hide behind Giambi. But according to Bob Klapisch, Beane would not want Giambi back:

(registration required)The A's have "zero" interest in the embattled first baseman/DH, and have already made an internal decision not to pursue Giambi even if he were released by the Yankees

"There's no way, none, not even if he came for free," is how the executive measured the gulf between Giambi and his former employers.

So now the issue is whether this is something that Chavez really wants Giambi to return for the sense of mental security or if it is just a fleeting wish because of Giambi's current situation. Look for Beane to make some sort of statement if Chavez is pushing for Giambi.